Coping Skills Discussion (15-Minute Session)

Welcome! Today we have a brief 15-minute chat about coping skills and how they help us deal with stress and emotions. This discussion is designed especially for you as an 8th-grade student to quickly share your thoughts and learn a few useful strategies. Let's jump in!

Warm-Up (3 minutes)

• In one or two sentences, what do you think coping skills mean to you?
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Think of a moment when you felt overwhelmed or stressed. What did you do to help yourself feel better?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Key Questions (7 minutes)

• Imagine you have a big science project due soon, and you're worried you won’t do well. What are some positive ways you could manage that worry?
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Have you ever tried something like deep breathing, positive self-talk, or taking a mini-break to relax? Share a quick thought or example.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• We have a short video on different coping strategies: Video: Coping Mechanisms. If you saw something new there, what idea caught your eye and how might it help you?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Quick Reflection & Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

• Think for a moment about one coping skill you believe could really be a game changer for you. How would it help you in stressful moments?
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Finally, why do you think it’s important to have these strategies in your daily life?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Thank you for sharing your thoughts in this quick session. Remember, even small positive actions can help make a big difference in how you handle challenges!

Coping Skills Scenarios

These scenarios have been tailored to be relatable and engaging for an 8th-grade student who might feel pessimistic. Read each scenario and reflect on or write down how you might use positive coping strategies to transform the situation.

1. You have an important science project due next week and you're worried that it might not turn out well.

2. You feel like your efforts in class are never good enough, and this makes you doubt your abilities.

3. A close friend seems distant lately, and you’re not sure if you did something wrong.

4. You’re feeling overwhelmed with extracurricular activities and schoolwork, making your days stressful.

5. After a class discussion, you notice negative thoughts swirling in your mind about your future.

Take a moment to consider positive actions or thoughts that could help shift your perspective in each situation.